Thousands Welcome Melinda Doolittle
Several thousand people gathered on the campus of Belmont University this morning, some arriving as early as 6 a.m., to welcome American Idol Top 3 semifinalist Melinda Doolittle back to her alma mater. Doolittle, who was once the college mascot, graduated in 1999.
Melinda, who rode through the streets of Brentwood, Tennessee in a white Mustang convertible, wiped away tears as she looked out at the crowd, many of whom were wearing “Belmont Hearts Melinda Doolittle” gear. About the homecoming, Melinda said “Wow. This is probably one of the most amazing things I’ve ever experienced, and it’s so good to be home.”
Belmont president Robert Fisher led Doolittle to the unveiling of a new blue street sign that read “Melinda Doolittle Way.” That sign indicates more than just the street’s temporary name for the month, Fisher said. “Melinda Dolittle Way is the way to live life,” Fisher said. Melinda is known for her humility, so it’s no surprise that she reacted to the street sign with a gasp and shaky hands. Fisher also proclaimed it “Melinda Doolittle Day.”
After taking the stage, she said, “I’m a mess. OK, my mom is worse than I am so I’m OK.”
Doolittle sang, “Home,” but the sound went out several times during the show because of production problems. She also sang “Since You’ve Been Gone,” (not to be confused with Kelly Clarkson’s song).
Doolittle said what she has learned from her Idol experience is, “You can dream so big and God can take it farther than you ever thought.”
Doolittle began her morning at the Wildhorse Saloon where she appeared on the local Foxshow “Tennessee Mornings,” and was scheduled to meet Gov. Phil Bredesen at an afternoon press conference at the state capitol.
Tags: american, concert, doolittle, Home, idol, melinda, Melinda Doolittle, neck, streetRelated Stories
POSTED IN: American Idol 6, Interviews, Melinda Doolittle, Photos, Thinking Idol
40 opinions for Thousands Welcome Melinda Doolittle
Lauren
May 13, 2007 at 4:49 pm
That must be so surreal for Melinda. It’s good for her to know that she has so much support on her side.
agnes
May 14, 2007 at 12:30 pm
Melinda, I am so happy for you. You best represent the America idol with your humility, grace and charms. You are a great singer and a great person. You deserve to win and we are all praying and voting for you. I wish you every success and we are all addicted to your excellent vocals. May God bless you.
Agnes and friends.
Jeanne
May 14, 2007 at 10:08 pm
I love Melinda too. A lot of people can learn a lot from her humility. She seems like a genuinely nice person.
Bernard
May 14, 2007 at 10:19 pm
Week after week Melinda never fail to captivate the whole lot of us with her songs. If they would compile a collection of the songs she sang on AI we would gladly wait in line to purchse her album.
Our opinion is unianimous - Melinda is the Idol for this season.
Our love Melinda - your fans in Singapore !!
Nashville is Talking » We Didn’t Doolittle (*rimshot*)
May 16, 2007 at 6:23 am
[…] Thousands Welcome Melinda Doolittle […]
Robin
May 17, 2007 at 7:44 am
Melinda, my heart and mouth dropped when you were voted off on Wednesday. You are a WINNER, you are a lady with MUST grace. I have enjoyed watching you from week to week you will never be another back ground singer for anyone. Continue to allow the Lord to lead you and keep him first. I am also from Tennessee and I am PROUD OF YOU. Can’t wait to hear from you in the future.
TINA
May 18, 2007 at 12:17 am
American Idol sucks. It really does and I’m done watching it. HOW THE HELL COULD MELINDA DOOLITTLE BE VOTED OFF???? Her voice is flawless!! She was NEVER in the bottom 3, NEVER in the bottom 2, and there was NEVER a time any of the judges said a negative thing about her…..NOT EVEN ONE TIME!!!! So, what the hell????? Sorry, but as pretty as Jordin is, that’s it…she’s just pretty. She sings okay sometimes, but NOT all the time!!! She has been off key PLENTY OF TIMES!!!! For example, and this is ONLY ONE example…Jordin sucked at “living on a prayer” when it was bon jovi night. The ENTIRE song was a MESS!!! As for Blake…yes, he’s AWESOME with the beat boxing…..truly a genius with that…BUT..he CANNOT sing!!! American Idol has to change the voting system and make it like the way “dancing with the stars” is…..america votes 50% and their judges vote 50%. This way it’s more fair and more realistic. There are too many teeny bopper idiot kids and teenagers who vote for the “cute kid” or the “hot girl.” Meanwhile, they have NO CLUE about true vocal ability. Simon was shocked as hell when Melinda was voted off. They all were!!! Even Melinda herself was shocked!!!!!! It’s pure bull!! I hate this show now. Melinda will go on and sell more records than any idol out there….GUARANTEED. SHE’S FLAWLESS LIKE WHITNEY HOUSTON YEARS AGO!! MELINDA, YOU ARE PERFECTION AND EVERYONE KNOWS IT!! EVERYONE OBVIOUSLY FIGURED YOU WERE SAFE THIS WEEK. THAT’S OKAY THOUGH. GOD HAS OTHER BIG BIG BIG BIG PLANS FOR YOU! HE PROBABLY DIDN’T WANT YOU GLUED TO AN AMERICAN IDOL CONTRACT. YOU CAN DO WAAAAAAYYYY BETTER THAN THAT!!! I CANNOT WAIT UNTIL YOUR ALBUM COMES OUT!! YOUR VOICE BRINGS GOOSE BUMPS TO MY BODY!!! I LOVE YOU!!!!
A'kyra
May 18, 2007 at 3:25 am
Tina…hoooray….you got it right! I agree with you 100% that the voting needs to be changed to mirror the voting system that Dancing with the Stars has. I have been saying this all season with the whole Sanjaya mess. If a better voting system had been in place, he would not have been on the show for that long at all. But I think they keep it the way it is b/c they arre getting the ratings behind the scandals….again…it has turn into a corporate money thing….shameful b/c the serious contestants are getting the short end of the stick sort of….anyway…Melinda will be successful without Idol so…more power to her…she is an awesome person :)
Gloria
May 18, 2007 at 5:23 am
When Melinda was voted off on Wednesday, I felt completely sick to my stomach. Melinda deserved to win! I’ve been in a foul mood since the announcement. Like the judges have said all season, she is a consummate professional. Her pitch has always been perfect and her performances utterly enthralling and inspiring to watch. I fully agree with Tina’s suggestion to change the voting system.
I am ready to buy Melinda’s CD as soon as she finishes it, even if I have to wait a year (or longer). I shall be a Melinda fan for life!
A'kyra
May 18, 2007 at 5:32 am
Gloria,
I think we are just about all behind you on that one. She never made a mistake and gave stellar perfomances each time. She definitely got screwed over. But she is a survivor and will do exceedingly well in her career. :)
Sam
May 18, 2007 at 5:46 am
Melinda is a first rate performer and first rate person and I agree wholeheartedly that the voting should be reconstructed to include the judges. American Idol has become a contest of sensuallity instead of a singing competition! Melinda is a star in my book! There have been very few AI contestants that have equalled Melinda’s singing ability.
THEKIISFMCASTER
May 18, 2007 at 8:39 am
Melinda Doolittle has lost her chance to be the American Idol, but maybe that is better for her music career and her longevity. For her thoughts on not making it to the finals, Log on to http://ryan.kiisfm.com/cc-common/news/sections/special/americanidol.html to hear her exclusive interview with Ryan Seacrest.
Marijo
May 18, 2007 at 12:36 pm
I think Melinda will do better without winning the idol. I know she is superb in all her performances and what an awesome voice she’s got! When she got voted off she said she was relieved because she could sing without being judged and free to sing whenever she wants to. My husband and I love her and we will be her fans forever. I wish Melinda could read what her fans posted her. We’ll look forward to buying her cd’s and albums in the future. There will be some to be released by end of fall, in time for Christmas. Melinda, we wish you all
the best in life! Keep smiling! You are the A1 of 2007
in our hearts.
Jeanne
May 18, 2007 at 12:40 pm
Wow. This is an incredible discussion! You guys have raised so many great points.
Tina - I’m going to write a post about your voting suggestions. Look for it later today.
Gloria
May 18, 2007 at 4:08 pm
I’d like to thank each and every one of you so very much for your comments about Melinda. Your comments have been a comfort to read (and ever so heartening!) after the huge disappointment of Wednesday evening. I believe we all love and adore Melinda and are absolutely confident that she will be a TREMENDOUS success.
Marijo
May 19, 2007 at 11:48 am
Yes, we will never forget Melinda’s humility and genuine personality. She really is a role model for the young and old generation. She will certainly do great as she is a very smart young woman. The idols will be in Sacramento soon as part of their tour, and Melinda will be there, too. Hopefully we’ll be able to purchase tickets for the concert. I could hardly wait to see Melinda in person.
Marisa
May 20, 2007 at 12:42 pm
I never watched American Idol until this year; after watching Melinda Doolittle getting voted off on Wednesday, I will never watch it again. It just goes to show who is voting in this competition: people who only care about appearances and status quo and have no clue about true musical talent and ability. Typical Stupid Americans.
As a musician myself, I felt that Melinda was the winner from her first audition. As others have mentioned, her voice is flawless and her talent immeasurable. Not only did she go through a transformation during the show (from being shy and feeling like the back-up singer to being a confident solo performer), she truly carried herself with style and grace from beginning to end. Most performers/pop-stars have annoying egos to boot, so it was refreshing to see someone who truly only cared about sharing her talent with the world in a humble and gracious way. This country could learn a thing or two from that. Hopefully one day, this country will get over it’s plasticized self, truly recognize people with talent, and let the pretty plastic people take a back seat for once.
Melinda, you are a true talent with real beauty, and I can’t wait to see your light shine away from the ignorance of American Idol. You go girl! You are the best!
A'kyra
May 21, 2007 at 3:49 am
Marisa! You are on target! You definitely hit the nail on the head! I love your comment when you said “Hopefully one day, this country will get over it’s plasticized self, truly recognize people with talent, and let the pretty plastic people take a back seat for once. ”
You said it right!
Jeanne
May 21, 2007 at 8:23 am
Marisa, I have to agree with you. I am beginning to wonder what America wants. There was a time when talent was valued and sometimes, we see glimmers of that, but for the most part, all I see right now is commercialized garbage. No one takes pride in themselves. When a woman can sing a song about her “lovely lady lumps” (thank you Black Eyed Peas for that junk), I feel like the music world needs to step back and reevaluate things.
Where have our standards gone?
A'kyra
May 21, 2007 at 10:25 am
Oh Jeanne you are so right….there are no standards. Like someone else said, America is plasticized! It’s all about the superficial and how much fake stuff you can put on/in your body….no one cares about talent anymore and that is sad. Look how many pople have made a name for themselves that have little to know talent or a talent that is irrellevant….for example….Paris Hilton…she CAN’T sing for #$&*….but she has a name for herself b/c of a stupid sex tape. Matter of fact Prince called her out one day. She was in Las Vegas at his show and he called her up on stage and handed her a mic and said to the crowd…now let’s see if she can really sing….guess what happened? She ran out in tears….PRICELESS!!!
agnes
May 21, 2007 at 12:01 pm
It must be at least comforting for Melinda to know that we all knew that she was screwed big time on this one. God has eyes and ears and will reward her in His own way. Melinda is such a great talent and an amazing person. Her mother raised her right. We are all fortunate to have at least heard and seen her. My heart broke like million others when she was voted off inspite of being the best. Melinda, your journey to great success just begins. I am your fan forever. We love you and God Bless you.
Agnes.
Monica
May 22, 2007 at 6:05 am
so many talented singers have been voted office Tamara Gray, Jennifer Hudson, Mandisa, Ive been watching since the 1st season & American has always gotten it wrong.Ya got it wrong this time too…Melinda, I know & feel you’re one of the Kings Kids..He watching out for ya! You exhibited poise, SKILL of singing, extradordinary stage prescence. I Cant wait until the 1st CD/DVD. Love Ya!
A'kyra
May 22, 2007 at 7:28 am
Oh Monica how are ya??? I do agree with you that America has gotten it wrong a few times. I too have been watching American Idol since the first season but let me just tighten a couple things up for ya…Tamyra Gray (not Tamara), Jennifer Hudson and Mandisa were voted off (not office). These three were absolutely amazing singers but do you remember Frenchie was too! Frenchie was awesome and got kicked off the show b/c of her racy photos…but how funny the Antonella didn’t this season. hmmmm, this season of AI has been a real eye opener to the “reality TV” world and America’s standards in general. And this is the same public we have voting for our president….kind of scary in a way….could you imagine how the presidency race would go if the more scandal the better like AI….what if Hilary had some racy photos on the net…think she would win? Crazy right….
In any case, Melinda will have an outstanding career without winning AI.
Shawn
May 22, 2007 at 5:41 pm
Melinda was jipped when she got voted off. Melinda Doolittle was by far the best on American Idol. In the long run, Melinda will outshine everyone eles….just as Chris Daughtry is now from season 5. You dont even hear from Taylor Hicks as far as his success. Chris has outshined him by far. This is a prime example of what Melinda will do once she gets out on her own. The ” true talent” will shine at the end.
Jeanne
May 22, 2007 at 8:58 pm
A’kyra - I would pay cash money to see Paris Hilton freak out. That is crazy! I have to completely agree with you about this season. The double standards have never been so obvious. It’s terrible.
Monica - it is sad when America gets it wrong. I see it happening every season and it disgusts me. This season, however, was one of the worst for that kind of thing. There were times when I thought I must be crazy because certain singers didn’t sound like they deserved praise but they got it - by the heapful!
Shawn - I really hope to see/hear Melinda again. She really was classy and great and she deserves a “big break.” I want her to find the right vein and shine. When I heard the chosen song tonight, I was so glad Melinda didn’t have to sing it.
A'kyra
May 23, 2007 at 4:07 am
This season of American Idol has been a whirlwind of emotions at the least. The scandals have been insane. American Idol has definitely changed from a talent contest to a popularity contest…it’s obsurd and I think the season’s to come are just going to get worse…it’s a shame.
Guac
May 23, 2007 at 8:31 am
Melinda is an absolutely wonderful singer and she has tremendous talent.It is a pity that the American public choose mediocre singers over the really talented ones every single time in the American Idol finale…says a lot about how much real talent doesn’t matter to the average american voter..People need to learn to encourage real talent in every field- otherwise, soon our country will be filled with non talented people getting credit for things they absolutely don’t deserve
Melinda rocks and she will go far in the music industry.I have full confidence in her real spotless singing talent and hope that other listeners have faith in her talent too..many best wishes to dearest melinda..keep the good work going
Tamira
May 24, 2007 at 11:28 am
I agree with everything TINA said - my mouth dropped and then the cuss words came out ! I CANNOT BELIEVE THAT MELINDA GOT THE BOOT ! - THERE IS NO WAY IN H. E. DOUBLE HOCKEY STICKS that she is not going to the finale to WIN IT . SHE IS THE BEST SINGER THAT HAS EVER BEEN ON IDOL - and i have watched it time and time again - and sometimes they get it right and sometimes they dont - BUT THIS WAS JUST AN ATROCITY - there is no way she shouldnt have the TITLE. The next day i went to work and posted a sign on my desk DONT WANT TO TALK BOUT IT _ DONT ASK ME BOUT IT _ AND WILL NEVER WATCH IDOL AGAIN. I SAY THIS AND MEAN IT - F IDOL ! I WILL NEVER WATCH IT AGAIN - MELINDA I WISH YOU ALL THE SUCCESS AND CANNOT WAIT FOR YOU TO GET A CONTRACT ELSEWHERE ! _ TRUST ME YOU HAVE PLENTY OF FANS WHO WILL SUPPORT YOU !!!
A'kyra
May 24, 2007 at 12:08 pm
Tamira I must say I love your passion!! Melinda should have been in the Finale.
A'kyra
May 24, 2007 at 12:49 pm
Jeanne,
Watch this Mandisa video! Turns out Melinda and Mandisa are friends. They used to work together.
http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?id=1560365&vid=150809
Any thoughts?
Jeanne
May 24, 2007 at 9:56 pm
A’kyra - I can’t see the video!!!!! :(
If you are outside of the U.S. (which I am currently), they don’t let you watch MTV clips. Isn’t that stupid?
Tell me all about it!
A'kyra
May 25, 2007 at 2:58 am
Oh Jeanne that’s horrible…they have some good one’s! So ok, Mandisa basically says that she is a big supporter of Melinda b/c they are old friends from Nashville and used to work together at a studio.
I am willing to bet that Melinda will have at least one track on her album that she sings with Mandisa.
There was another one where they were following Chris Daughtery and they asked him who he thought would win AI and he said “We are going to win it this year” then he laughed…do you think he is still bitter from when he got the boot??? He shouldn’t be, he’s doing way better than he would have…look at Taylor…lol… :) (I think that one may have been on TMZ now that I think about it)
Jeanne
May 25, 2007 at 8:57 am
You know the M&Ms are going to have a track together!!! I think they are into the same kind of music, no?
I hope Chris isn’t bitter. He rocks my socks!!! It is so good that he didn’t win. Imagine if he had been contractually obligated to make “Do I Make You Proud???” :o
Yuck.
A'kyra
May 26, 2007 at 4:32 am
Jeanne,
Yes the M&M’s are into the same type of music.
Chris is awesome! I too am glad he didn’t get the win. It seems everyone (contestants) knows that now. Actually Chris seems like the type if he did win that would have said yeah whatever I’m not singing that…sue me, and walk away….haha…that would have been funny.
Jenn
Jun 2, 2007 at 10:15 am
I love melinda and her incredible talent. She has it all. and she is still my american idol
Myrna
Jun 6, 2007 at 5:55 pm
Many of the comments are similar to mine.I too will not watch AI again.
Music Lover
Jun 9, 2007 at 9:38 am
Whatever the outcome is, Melinda has done it already when Paula couldn’t stop her tears with “Home”….We all felt the same. Idol title does not matter. She will win so many Grammy Awards and will be keep her place within our hearts for a very very long time to come. The whole world loves Melinda, the true diva!
Louise
Feb 17, 2008 at 8:52 pm
Melinda just releases her new first song on i tunes My funny Valentine new version. She is amazing if you want more info about her new cd she will releases soon get to http://www.melindafan.net her fans site
Louise
Jun 15, 2008 at 10:04 am
we have new website to support Melinda Doolittle. Her new album will be released at the end of the summer. http://www.mdstreetteam.com
Louise7
Jul 16, 2008 at 3:33 pm
Here the last new about Melinda Album will be released in fall.http://www.mdstreetteam.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=26&t=850
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